Question

Raj brought an immersion rod a few days back which stopped functioning. He went back to the shopkeeper and wanted the item to either be replaced or rectified by the shop. But the shopkeeper refused to entertain Raj’s plea and asked him to leave his shop. 

Which consumer right of Raj was violated? Enumerate any three responsibilities of a consumer in such situations.

Answer 1

Right to be Heard.

Responsibilities of a consumer:

1. Take and Retain Bill, Receipts, Guarantee Cards as Records: Consumers should always obtain and keep bills, receipts, and guarantee/warranty cards as proof of purchase. These documents are essential for claiming warranties, returns, exchanges, or filing complaints in case of any issues with the product.
2. Buy Good Quality Products with Standardisation Marks: Consumers should purchase products that carry standardization marks like ISI, AGMARK, or FSSAI. These marks indicate that the product meets certain quality standards and is safe for use.
3. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use, Care, and Maintenance of the Product: Consumers have the responsibility to use products as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Proper usage, care, and maintenance help in avoiding unnecessary damage and ensure the product functions as intended.
4. Report Cases of Malpractices in Consumer Court: If a consumer encounters unfair trade practices or defective products, they should report these issues to the relevant authorities, such as consumer courts or consumer protection agencies. This helps protect their rights and also prevents others from facing similar issues.